# Patent

## Title
Methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations with gelled hydrocarbon fluids

## Abstract

In one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation is provided comprising the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids are suitable for use in subterranean treatment operations, such as subterranean stimulation and sand control treatments like fracturing and gravel packing, that may be carried out in subterranean formations for the production of hydrocarbons. The compositions and methods also may be suitable, for example, to be used as plugging agents, well bore cleanup fluids, viscous sweep fluids, or insulating fluids to be used in associated methods.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/409,240, filed Apr. 8, 2003, entitled “Methods and Compositions for Treating Subterranean Formations with Gelled Hydrocarbon Fluids,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/792,165, filed Feb. 23, 2001, entitled “Methods and Compositions for Treating Subterranean Formations with Gelled Hydrocarbon Fluids, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,934.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids and methods of their use and preparation.
Gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluids have been utilized in treating subterranean formations penetrated by well bores, e.g., for stimulation or sand control treatments such as fracturing or gravel packing, respectively. In fracturing treatments, a gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid that may comprise particulate material, often referred to as proppant, e.g., sand, suspended therein is pumped through a well bore into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure such that one or more fractures are formed or enhanced in a portion of the formation. Proppant material may be deposited in the fractures, inter alia, to prevent the formed fractures from closing, thereby maintaining conductive channels remain through which produced fluids can flow to the well bore. At a desired time, the viscosity of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid may be reduced, or “broken,” and the fluid may be recovered.
Similarly, sand control operations, such as gravel packing, use gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluids, often referred to as gravel pack fluids. Gravel pack fluids usually are used to suspend gravel particles for delivery to a desired area in a well bore, e.g., near unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation particulates, to form a gravel pack to enhance sand control. One common type of gravel packing operation involves placing a gravel pack screen in the well bore and packing the annulus between the screen and the well bore with gravel of a specific size designed to prevent the passage of formation sand. The gravel, inter alia, acts to prevent the particulates from occluding the screen or migrating with the produced fluids, and the screen, inter alia, acts to prevent the gravel from entering the production tubing. Once the gravel pack is substantially in place, the viscosity of the gravel pack fluid often is reduced to allow it to be recovered or produced back from the well bore.
Polyvalent metal salts of orthophosphoric acid esters have been utilized as gelling agents for forming high-viscosity gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids. Such gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids often have included particulate materials such as proppant or gravel, and oftentimes delayed breakers for causing the treatment fluids to break into relatively thin fluids so that the treatment fluids may be produced back. Descriptions of such high-viscosity gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids and methods of their use are set forth at least in part in U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,155 issued to Harris et al. on Nov. 11, 1986, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,915 issued to Smith et al. on Dec. 8, 1998.
While high-viscosity gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids and methods have been used successfully in some instances, problems in downstream processes have been encountered as a result of the use of the phosphoric acid ester gelling agent. For example, in recent years, plugging of refinery towers (which often process hydrocarbons produced from formations treated with gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluids) has caused many expensive, unplanned shut-downs of those towers. The plugging material is high in phosphorus and has been attributed to the phosphoric acid esters used as gelling agents in conventional gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids used during production of the hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. The phosphoric acid esters are thought to contribute volatile phosphorus, which may condense on distillation tower trays, resulting in plugging of such trays, which may result in shut-downs of the towers. The volatile phosphorus also may carry over the tops of the distillation towers causing contamination of the hydrocarbon products produced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids and methods of their use and preparation.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid, and contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid under conditions effective to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of providing sand control to a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid that comprises gravel particulates and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid; and contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid so as to form a gravel pack near the portion of the subterranean formation.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising adding polyvalent metal organophosphonic acid ester or organophosphinic acid salt particulates to a liquid hydrocarbon to form a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising the steps of forming an initial liquid hydrocarbon gel that comprises a liquid hydrocarbon and a first gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid; and adding a second gelling agent to the initial liquid hydrocarbon gel at a desired time to form a viscous gel.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising the steps of preparing a concentrated gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid; diluting the concentrated gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid with a hydrocarbon to prepare a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid comprising the steps of adding an organophosphinic acid having the formula:




where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21 and R′ is either methyl or ethyl; adding an activator composition comprising a source of polyvalent metal ions that react with the organophosphinic acid to form a suitable polyvalent metal salt thereof; and allowing the liquid hydrocarbon to gel.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid comprising the steps of adding an organophosphonic acid ester having the formula:




where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21 and R′ is either methyl or ethyl; adding an activator composition comprising a source of polyvalent metal ions that react with the organophosphinic acid to form a suitable polyvalent metal salt; and allowing the liquid hydrocarbon to gel.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising: a liquid hydrocarbon; and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the description of preferred embodiments which follows.


DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
This invention relates to gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids and methods of their use and preparation. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids of the present invention are suitable for use in subterranean treatment operations, such as subterranean stimulation and sand control treatments, such as fracturing and gravel packing, that may be carried out in subterranean formations. The compositions and methods of the present invention also may be suitable, for example, to be used as plugging agents, well bore cleanup fluids, viscous sweep fluids, or insulating fluids to be used in associated methods.
The gelled liquid hydrocarbon compositions of the present invention comprise a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid. The term “salt” as used herein and in related applications refers to polyvalent metal ion salts that can be formed directly from an organophosphonic acid ester (or an organophosphinic acid) by a metathesis reaction comprising an alkali metal or ammonium salt of the organophosphonic acid ester (or the organophosphinic acid), or by a metathesis reaction comprising an organophosphonic acid dialkyl ester (or organophosphinic acid alkyl ester). Unlike the phosphoric acid esters utilized heretofore, the polyvalent metal salts of the gelling agents of the present invention, inter alia, do not decompose or disassociate as readily as conventional phosphoric acid ester gelling agents. Thus, they may not pose as large of a potential problem for downstream processing. Optionally, the gelling agents of the present invention may comprise water and/or a base if desired.
In certain embodiments, the gelled liquid hydrocarbons of the present invention comprise a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid. Suitable organophosphonic acid esters have the formula:




wherein R comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms that, for example, may comprise a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof; and R′ comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. If R is a relatively small group, then R′ may comprise a larger hydrocarbon group similar to that listed above with respect to R such as linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether group, or a mixture thereof that may have about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms. In choosing a suitable R and R′, one should be mindful that if R and R′ are both relatively bulky groups (e.g., if R and R′ are both 2-ethylhexyl groups), then an adequate gelled liquid hydrocarbon may not form. Techniques that can be utilized for the preparation of organophosphonic acid esters useful in accordance with this invention include, for example, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,162 issued to Dickert, Jr. on Mar. 19, 1974, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable organophosphinic acids have the formula:




wherein R1 may comprise a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to 30 carbon atoms that, for example, may comprise a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof; and R2 may comprise a linear or branched hydrocarbon or aromatic group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. In choosing a suitable R1 and R2, one should be mindful that if R1 and R2 are both relatively bulky groups, then an adequate gelled liquid hydrocarbon may not form. Techniques which can be used for the preparation of an organophosphinic acid useful in accordance with this invention are well known. For example, the organophosphinic acid can be prepared from the reaction of alkylphosphonic dichloride with a Grignard reagent as reported by Crofts and Fox in “Unsymmetrical Dialkylphosphinic Acids” J Chem. Soc. 1958, 2995-2997, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary reaction sequence is illustrated below:





Alternatively, unsymmetrical organophosphinic acids can be prepared in a one-pot synthesis using the method of Boyd et al. in “Synthesis of γ-keto-substituted phosphinic acids from bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphonite and α,β-unsaturated ketones,” Tetrahedron Lett., 1992, 33, 813-816 and Boyd, E. A.; Regan, A. C.; James, K. “Synthesis of Alkyl Phosphinic Acids from Silyl Phosphonites and Alkyl Halides,” Tetrahedron Lett., 1994, 35, 4223-4226, the relevant disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary reaction sequence is shown below:





Suitable activator compositions comprise a source of polyvalent metal ions suitable for forming the polyvalent metal salts of organophosphonic acid esters or organophosphinic acids of the gelling agents of the present invention. Examples of such suitable ions include, but are not limited to, aluminum ions, gallium ions, lanthanum ions, ruthenium ions, iron ions, or lanthanide rare earth series ions. Preferred polyvalent metal ions have a +3 oxidation state. When ferric iron is utilized to form the gelling agent, the source of the ions is preferably ferric sulfate or ferric chloride, ferric sulfate being preferred. The ferric iron salt is typically mixed with amines, surfactants and water to form a liquid activator composition. An example of a commercially available ferric iron activator composition is “EA-3TM” sold by Ethox Chemicals, Inc. of Greenville, S.C. When an aluminum compound is utilized, it is preferably selected from aluminum chloride, sodium aluminate, or aluminum isopropoxide. In certain embodiments, the ratio of metal to phosphorus in a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid should be about 1:3; in other embodiments, the metal to phosphorus ratio may be about 2:3. Activator compositions also may comprise amines, surfactants, water, or other suitable components.
The polyvalent metal salts of organophosphonic acid esters or organophosphinic acids of the gelling agents of the present invention may be formed by any suitable method, which will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.
The liquid hydrocarbon utilized to form the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids of the present invention can comprise any suitable liquid hydrocarbon including, but not limited to, α-olefins, internal olefins, alkanes, aromatic solvents, cycloalkanes, liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, diesel oil, gas oil (also known as gas condensate), fuel oil, other petroleum distillates, certain mixtures of crude oil, or mixtures thereof. Liquid hydrocarbons that may be specifically designed for use with CO2 are generally preferred in some instances, e.g., a dry gas well. An example of a suitable liquid hydrocarbon is commercially available from the Trysol Corporation of Sundre, Alberta, Canada under the trade name “FRACSOLTM.”
If desired, enhancers may be added, inter alia, to provide alkalinity, improve the stability of the polyvalent metal ions in the activator composition, and/or improve the dispersability of the metal ions in the hydrocarbon liquid so as to facilitate the formation of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. Preferred enhancers should provide alkalinity and should facilitate the gellation of the liquid hydrocarbon. Suitable enhancers may be defined by the general formula CnHmOxNy, wherein n is from about 1 to about 50, m is from about 0 to about the number of hydrogens necessary to satisfy the valence requirements of the enhancer compound, x is from about 1 to about 10 (preferably around 2), and y is from about 0 to about 10 (preferably under 3). Suitable examples would be where the ratio of C to N in the enhancer ranges from about 1:1 to about 50:1, and C to O from about 1:1 to about 20:1. Specific examples include ethoxylated amines, like triethanolamines, N,N-dibutyl ethanol amines, and oxyalkylated di-C2-C8 alkyl amines; N,N-di-loweralkyl fatty amines; oxyalkylated fatty amine; monoammonium citrate; bis(hydroxyethyl) tallowamine; and ethoxylated dehydroabietylamine. Mixtures of such suitable enhancers also are suitable. An example of a suitable enhancer is a surfactant. Surfactants may be added to facilitate the formation of a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. Surfactants may decrease the gellation time of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon because they may allow for a better dispersion of the metal ions in the hydrocarbon fluid. Suitable surfactants that may be used include basic surfactants, especially those that may comprise an amine group. Use of about 0.1% to about 10.0% of a suitable surfactant based on the amount of the gelling agent may be beneficial, inter alia, to help speed formation of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid or to impart desirable rheological characteristics. Some specific examples of suitable surfactants include imidazoline, a fatty acid soap, a fatty acid, dioctyl sulphosuccinate, sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate, fatty acid esters, fatty acid alkanolamides, and amido betaines.
In certain embodiments, the gelled hydrocarbon treatment fluids of the present invention may comprise particulate materials like proppant or gravel that can be utilized in, for example, fracturing or gravel packing operations. Suitable particulate materials include, but are not limited to, graded walnut or other nut shells, resin-coated walnut or other nut shells, graded sand, resin-coated sand, sintered bauxite, various particulate ceramic materials, glass beads, various particulate polymeric materials and the like. The particular size of the particulate material employed may depend on the particular application for which the particulate materials are being used, characteristics of the subterranean formation, characteristics of the particular gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid being used, as well as other variables. Generally, the particulate sizes may vary in the range of from about 2 to about 200 mesh, U.S. Sieve Series scale. One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will be able to choose an appropriate particulate material for a given application.
In addition, in a preferred embodiment, if water is not already contained in the hydrocarbon liquid, or added thereto as a component of a component, e.g., in an activator composition or an enhancer, water may be added in an amount, for example, of about 0.05% or greater by the total treatment fluid volume. The presence of the water, inter alia, may be used beneficially in the compositions and methods of the present invention, for example, to allow for slowly water soluble or encapsulated breakers to be dissolved or released that may be used to reduce the viscosity of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid of the present invention when desired. See, for example, Smith et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,915 issued on Dec. 8, 1995, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
If a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid of the present invention is being used in an application wherein it may be desirable to eventually reduce the viscosity of the treatment fluid, for example, to recover it from the subterranean formation at a desired time, then a suitable breaker may be included in or added to the fluid. Any breaker that is able to reduce the viscosity of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid when desired is suitable for use in the compositions and methods of the present invention. In certain preferred embodiments, delayed gel breakers that will react with the treatment fluid after a desired delay period may be used. Suitable delayed gel breakers can be materials that are slowly soluble in water, those that are encapsulated, or those that are otherwise designed to slowly solubilize in the fluid. In certain preferred embodiments wherein these types of breakers are used, the breaking of the gel does not take place until the slowly soluble breakers are at least partially dissolved in the water. Examples of such slowly soluble breakers are given in U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,915 issued to Smith et al. on Dec. 8, 1998. Hard-burned magnesium oxide, especially that having a particle size which will pass through a 200 mesh Tyler screen, is a preferred delayed gel breaker. Other breakers such as alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, alkali metal acetates, other alkaline earth metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, amines, weak acids and the like can be encapsulated with slowly water soluble or other similar encapsulating materials so as to make them act after a desired delay period. Such materials are well known to those skilled in the art and function to delay the breaking of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon for a required period of time. Examples of water soluble and other similar encapsulating materials that may be suitable include, but are not limited to, porous solid materials such as precipitated silica, elastomers, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), nylon, waxes, polyurethanes, polyesters, cross-linked partially hydrolyzed acrylics and the like. Of the slowly soluble or encapsulated breakers mentioned, hard-burned magnesium oxide, which may be commercially available from Clearwater Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., is preferred. In certain embodiments, when a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester and an alkaline breaker are utilized, e.g., magnesium oxide, an initial increase in the viscosity of the gelled hydrocarbon liquid may be achieved, after which the gel is broken. If used, the delayed gel breaker may be present in the gelled hydrocarbon liquids of the present invention in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 3% w/v, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.05% to about 1% w/v. “Percent w/v” as used herein refers to the weight of the component based on the volume of the liquid hydrocarbon that is present in the treatment fluid (i.e. g/100 ml expressed as %).
Another type of breaker which can be utilized when the gelling agent is a ferric iron polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a ferric iron polyvalent metal salt of the organophosphinic acid is a reducing agent that reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron. Of the various oxidation states of iron, ferric iron is capable of forming a viscosifying coordination salt with an organophosphonic acid ester or organophosphinic acid, therefore the salt may be disassociated by reducing the ferric iron to the ferrous state. The disassociation may cause the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid to break. Examples of reducing agents which can be utilized include, but are not limited to, stannous chloride, thioglycolic acid, hydrazine sulfate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, sodium hypophosphite, potassium iodide, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, 2-mercaptoethanol, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, sodium dithionite, and sodium sulfite. Of these, the preferred reducing agents for use at a temperature of about 90° C. are stannous chloride, thioglycolic acid, hydrazine sulfate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, and sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate. The most preferred reducing agent is thioglycolic acid, which may be delayed by salt formation or encapsulation. As mentioned above in connection with other breakers that can be used, the reducing agent utilized also can be delayed by encapsulating it with a slowly water soluble or other similar encapsulating material. If used, the gel breaker is generally present therein in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 3% w/v, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.05% to about 1% w/v.
Gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids of the present invention may be prepared by any suitable method. For instance, a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or an organophosphinic acid may be produced at the well site. In an example of such an on-site method, an organophosphonic acid ester or an organophosphinic acid may be added to a suitable amount of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions so as to form a gelling agent comprising polyvalent metal salt of an organophosponic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid. This may be done in a liquid hydrocarbon fluid so that the resultant gelling agent may gel the liquid hydrocarbon fluid. In certain embodiments, the ratio of metal to phosphorus in the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid should be about 1:3; in other embodiments, the metal to phosphorus ratio may be about 2:3.
A gelling agent of the present invention that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid may be formed off-site and then added to the liquid hydrocarbon at the well site so as to form a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. In an example of such a method, the polyvalent metal salt may be prepared by any method that is suitable for forming solid salt particulates (e.g., flakes, pellets, or other particulates) that later can be introduced to a liquid hydrocarbon fluid. The polyvalent metal salt particulates may be transported to the well site where they can be added to a liquid hydrocarbon fluid. In some embodiments of such methods, the liquid hydrocarbon fluid may be pre-gelled or partially gelled using any suitable technique. In one embodiment of such a technique, after the salt particulates are added to the liquid hydrocarbon fluid, no significant increase in the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon fluid may be realized until the temperature of the fluid is sufficient to enable the salt particulates to dissolve in the liquid hydrocarbon fluid to eventually increase its viscosity.
Another method of preparing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid of the present invention comprises forming an initial liquid hydrocarbon gel by adding a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid to a liquid hydrocarbon fluid to form an initial gel. At a desired time, an additional quantity of a gelling agent that may comprise a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid may be added to the initial gel, for example, as it is pumped into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, to form a more viscous gel.
Another example of a method for forming the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids of the present invention involves preparing a liquid hydrocarbon gel having a high concentration of a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid. This gel may be highly viscous. This highly viscous gel may be prepared off-site and then delivered to the location of use at a desired time. At the location, the highly viscous gel may be diluted with a hydrocarbon if desired for use (for instance, if the gel is to be used in a fracturing or sand control treatment method).
Although certain methodologies of making a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid of the present invention have been discussed in detail, one should note that the order of addition of each component is not critical, and therefore, other methods are suitable as well.
A preferred method of preparing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid of this invention comprises adding an activator composition comprising a source of polyvalent metal ions and an organophosphonic acid ester to a liquid hydrocarbon, the organophosphonic acid ester having the formula:




where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21 and R′ preferably comprises a methyl or ethyl group, or adding an organophosphinic acid having the formula:





where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21 and R′ preferably is either methyl or ethyl, so as to form a suitable polyvalent metal salt thereof that will gel the liquid hydrocarbon. In a preferred embodiment, the source of polyvalent metal ions comprises aluminum or iron. The resultant polyvalent metal salt of the organophosphonic acid ester or the polyvalent metal salt of the organophosphinic acid may be present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10.0% w/v, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.2% to about 2% w/v. Optionally, a breaker may be added to the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fluid. If a delayed gel breaker is used, the delayed gel breaker may be present in the hydrocarbon liquid in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 3% by weight of the hydrocarbon liquid, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.05% to about 1%.

A preferred gelled liquid hydrocarbon composition of this invention comprises a hydrocarbon liquid and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon composition may comprise water and/or a base. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon composition optionally may comprise an enhancer and/or a breaker. In certain embodiments, the enhancer comprises a surfactant. In certain embodiments, the breaker is a delayed gel breaker. The delayed gel breaker may comprise a reducing agent that is capable of reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron, and it may be encapsulated with a slowly water soluble or other similar encapsulating material.
A preferred hydrocarbon liquid gelling agent of this invention comprises a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester, the organophosphonic acid ester having the formula:




where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21 and R′ preferably is methyl or ethyl, or an organophosphinic acid having the formula:





where R represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 1 to about 21, and R′ preferably is a methyl or ethyl. A preferred hydrocarbon liquid gelling agent comprises a ferric iron polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester, the ester having the formula:





where R represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 1 to about 21 and R′ preferably is a methyl or ethyl group, or an organophosphinic acid having the formula:





where R represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 1 to about 21 and R′ preferably is a methyl or ethyl group.

In a treatment fluid embodiment, a gelling agent comprising an organophosphonic acid ester or an organophosphinic acid may be added to the liquid hydrocarbon along with an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions to gel the liquid hydrocarbon. An exemplary method of the present invention of treating a subterranean formation comprises the steps of: providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. Treating the subterranean formation may involve fracturing the subterranean formation, performing a sand control treatment (e.g., gravel packing), providing a plugging agent (e.g., pill), providing a well bore cleanup fluid, performing a viscous sweep, or providing an insulating fluid. U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,464 assigned to Halliburton Company, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, describes providing a plugging agent with a gel. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,473,408 and 4,003,393, both assigned to The Dow Chemical Company, the relevant disclosures of which are incorporated by reference, describe the use of organic gels for cleaning the interior of a pipeline. U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,139 assigned to Nalco Chemical Company, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, describes the use of a thixotropic gel as a viscous sweep. U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,215 assigned to Institut Francais Du Petrole, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, describes insulation of tubings placed in a well bore. In certain of such embodiments, the gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of the organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid may be present in the treatment fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10.0% w/v.
In a fracturing treatment fluid embodiment, a gelling agent comprising a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid may be added to the liquid hydrocarbon along with an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions to gel the liquid hydrocarbon. In certain embodiments, the polyvalent metal salt of the organophosphonic acid ester or the polyvalent metal salt of the organophosphinic acid may be added in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% w/v. Optionally, a fracturing fluid of the present invention may comprise water and/or a base to achieve a desired gel. A fracturing fluid of the present invention also may comprise proppant. A preferred method of fracturing a subterranean formation in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester, the organophosphonic acid ester having the formula:




where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21, or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid, organophosphinic acid having the formula:





where R represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21; and (b) contacting the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid under conditions effective to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, the gelling agent may be present in the treatment fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 5.0% w/v, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.2% to about 2.5% w/v. In certain embodiments, the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid may comprise a proppant material. In certain embodiments, the proppant material may be present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 32 pounds of proppant material per gallon of liquid hydrocarbon, more preferably in the range of about 1 to about 22 pounds per gallon. As mentioned, if desired, water may be added if not otherwise present in the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid, so that, e.g., a delayed gel breaker may be utilized. A suitable delayed gel breaker may be present in the treatment fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 3% w/v, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.05% to about 1% w/v.

In a gravel pack treatment fluid embodiment, a gelling agent comprising a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid may be added to the liquid hydrocarbon in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% w/v with a portion of gravel particulates. Optionally, a gravel pack treatment fluid of the present invention may comprise water and or a base to achieve a desired gel. A method of the present invention of providing sand control to a subterranean formation comprises the steps of contacting a portion of the subterranean formation with a gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid of the present invention that comprises gravel and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid so as to create a gravel pack neighboring that portion of the subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, the gelling agent may be present in the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 5.0% w/v, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.2% to about 2.5% w/v. In certain embodiments, the gravel particulates may be present in the fluid in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 32 pounds of proppant material per gallon of liquid hydrocarbon, more preferably in the range of about 1 to about 22 pounds per gallon. As mentioned, if desired, water may be added, if not otherwise present in gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid, so that, e.g., a delayed gel breaker may be utilized. A suitable delayed gel breaker may be present in the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 10% w/v, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 0.05% to about 3% w/v.
In order to further illustrate the methods and composition of the present invention, the following examples are given. In no way should such examples be read to limit or define the scope of the invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
A number of monoesters of alkylphosphonic acids were prepared in the laboratory as follows: solid dodecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester, solid tetradecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester, solid hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester, solid octadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester, solid C20-24 phosphonic acid monomethyl ester, solid octadecylphosphonic acid monobutyl ester, liquid octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester and liquid decylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester.
The following laboratory procedure was utilized in the preparation of the above listed esters. Alkylphosphonic acid dimethyl (or dibutyl) esters were first prepared by charging a 250 milliliter three-necked round bottom flask with 0.2 mole of 1-alkene and 0.5 mole of dimethyl or dibutyl phosphite. The flask was fitted with a reflux condenser, thermometer, temperature controller, septum stopper and nitrogen purge. The mixture was magnetically stirred and heated to 150° C. or the boiling point of the 1-alkene, whichever was lower. 2.5 milliliters of t-butyl peroxide was slowly added with a syringe over the course of 1 hour. The mixture was heated at 150° C. for another 1.5 hours. The excess dialkyl phosphite was removed using vacuum distillation.
The following laboratory procedure was utilized in the preparation of monomethyl (or monobutyl) esters that are liquids at room temperature. That is, alkylphosphonic acid monomethyl (or monobutyl) esters were prepared using the alkylphosphonic acid dimethyl (or dibutyl) esters prepared in accordance with the above described procedure as follows. 0.045 mole of alkylphosphonic acid dimethyl (or dibutyl) ester was charged to a 100 milliliter round bottom flask. A solution of 1.9 grams (0.048 mole) of sodium hydroxide in 38 milliliters of methanol was added to the flask and the flask was fitted with a reflux condenser. The mixture was stirred magnetically and heated to reflux for 3 hours. 10 milliliters of water and 50 milliliters of hexane were added, and the resulting mixture was shaken. The phases were separated, and the hexane layer containing the unreacted dimethyl (or dibutyl) ester was discarded. The aqueous layer was washed twice with 20 milliliter portions of hexane, and the hexane layer was discarded. 3.6 milliliters of 38% hydrochloric acid (0.045 mole) was added to the aqueous phase followed by 40 milliliters of water. The mixture was extracted 3 times with 20 milliliter portions of hexane. The combined organic fractions were washed with water and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed using a rotary evaporator. The alkylphosphonic acid monomethyl (or monobutyl) esters produced were liquids at room temperature.
Alkylphosphonic acid monoesters which are solids at room temperature also were prepared. These were the C12 to C24 alkyl phosphonic acid mono methyl esters. The following laboratory procedure was utilized. A 100 milliliter round bottom flask was charged with 0.05 mole of alkylphosphonic acid dimethyl ester, and the flask was warmed to melt the solid. A solution of 2.5 g (0.063 mole) of sodium hydroxide in 38 milliliters of methanol was added, and the flask was fitted with a reflux condenser. The mixture was stirred magnetically and heated to reflux for 3 hours. The flask was cooled, and 5 milliliters 38% hydrochloric acid (0.062 mole) was added, followed by the addition of 125 milliliters of water. The slurry was extracted into hexane. The hexane solution was washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The product was allowed to recrystallize, then it was collected on a büchner funnel, washed with hexane, and air dried.
Example 2
A commercially available octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester was obtained which contained 55-65% octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester, 20-30% octylphosphonic acid and 10-20% octylphosphonic acid dimethyl ester. 2 milliliters of the commercial octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester and 2 milliliters of a ferric iron activator commercially available from Clearwater Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa. under the trade designation “HGA-65TM” were added to 200 milliliters of kerosene. Initial cross-linking was observed after 20 seconds of stirring with an overhead stirrer. A strong cross-linked gel was observed after 1 minute.
This test shows that the organophosphonic acid ester may comprise portions of the phosphonic acid and the phosphonic acid dialkyl ester.
Example 3
2 milliliters of the commercially available octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester described in Example 2 were added to 200 milliliters of kerosene along with a ferric iron activator composition. The ferric iron activator composition comprised 240 grams of deionized water, 60 grams of ferric sulfate pentahydrate and 33.3 grams of triethanolamine.
Upon mixing, the cross-linking reaction was slower than that observed in Example 2, but good cross-linking was observed after 2 to 3 minutes.
Example 4
The commercially available octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester described in Example 2 was added to No. 2 off-road diesel oil along with a commercially available ferric iron cross-linking composition obtained from Ethox Chemicals, Inc. of Greenville, S.C. sold under the trade designation “EA-3TM” (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,693 issued to Geib on Nov. 21, 2000). Three different mixtures were prepared having the quantities of components shown in Table I below. After mixing, each of the mixtures was placed in a Model 50 viscometer at 68° C. and the viscosities of the mixtures were observed over time. The results of these tests are given in Table I below.







TABLE I







Viscosities of Gelled Diesel Oil Using


Commercially Available Gelling Agent


Components at 68° C.










Time,
Viscosity, cp. @ 170/sec












Minutes
Mixture A1
Mixture B2
Mixture C3







 30
297
169
197



 60
243
172
210



 90
218
187
212



120
205
209
204



150
193
217
199



180
184
218
193



210
175
218
188



240
167
217
184



270
158
216
182



300
152
217
—







1Mixture A comprised 6 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-996” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.



2Mixture B comprised 5 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-996” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.



3Mixture C comprised 5 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-996” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 6 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.






From Table I, it can be seen that the commercially available octyphosphonic acid monomethyl ester and activator produced viscous fluids.
Example 5
The procedure of Example 4 was repeated except that the octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester was synthesized in accordance with the procedure set forth in Example 1 and the third mixture tested, i.e., mixture F, included magnesium oxide breaker. The results of these tests are given in Table II below.







TABLE II







Viscosities of Gelled Diesel Oil Using


Synthesized Octylphosphonic Acid Monomethyl Ester


and Commercial Ferric Iron Activator Composition at 68° C.










Time,
Viscosity, cp. @ 170/sec












Minutes
Mixture D1
Mixture E2
Mixture F3







 4
299
388
395 



 30
131
143
85



 60
135
146
47



 90
140
151
34



120
146
156
25



150
149
160
17



180
—
162
10



210
—
163
—



240
—
164
—







1Mixture D comprised 5 milliliters of synthesized octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.



2Mixture E comprised 5 milliliters of synthesized octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 6 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.



3Mixture F comprised 5 milliliters of synthesized octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil, 5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil and 1.2 grams magnesium oxide breaker per liter of diesel oil.






From Table II, it can be seen that the synthesized octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester produced gels. In addition, mixture F including magnesium oxide gel breaker showed an increased viscosity as a result of neutralization of the organophosphonic acid ester by the magnesium oxide breaker therein, after which the gel was broken.
Example 6
The procedure of Example 4 was repeated except that the organophosphonic acid ester used was synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester. The results of these tests are given in Table III set forth below.







TABLE III







Viscosities of Gelled Diesel Oil Using Synthesized Hexadecylphosphonic Acid


Monomethyl Ester and Commercial Ferric Iron Activator Composition at 68° C.








Time,
Viscosity, cp. @ 170/sec















minutes
Mixture G1
Mixture H2
Mixture I3
Mixture J4
Mixture K5
Mixture L6
Mixture M7
Mixture N8


















3.5
 36
121
 70
162
107
179
235
292


30
145
199
190
183
165
177
175
186


60
171
176
169
195
166
187
172
181


90
177
186
169
208
167
192
173
177


120
187
197
175
213
169
194
174
172


150
189
203
179
218
175
200
178
176


180
191
209
189
221
181
202
178
174


195
193
209
190
222
181
203
181
174





1Mixture G comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 4.0 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


2Mixture H comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 5.0 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


3Mixture I comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 5.5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


4Mixture J comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 6.0 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


5Mixture K comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 6.5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


6Mixture L comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 7.0 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


7Mixture M comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 9.0 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


8Mixture N comprised 0.02 M (6.4 g/L) synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 11.0 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.






From Table III, it can be seen that synthesized hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester and the ferric iron activator utilized form gels in diesel oil at 68° C.
Example 7
The test procedure of Example 4 was repeated except that synthesized octadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester was utilized, the temperature of the gelled diesel oil was increased over time and two of the four gelled mixtures tested contained a magnesium oxide breaker. The results of these tests are given in Table IV below.







TABLE IV







Viscosities of Gelled Diesel Oil Using Synthesized Octadecylphosphonic Acid Monomethyl


Ester and Commercial Ferric Iron Activator Composition at Various Temperatures












Mixture O1
Mixture P2
Mixture Q3
Mixture R4















Time,

Viscosity, cp.

Viscosity, cp.

Viscosity, cp.

Viscosity, cp.


minutes
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec


















0
33
236
32
165
26
210
27
260


30
66
243
66
200
67
245
55
295


60
67
247
68
220
68
250
88
320


90
67
247
68
222
68
253
117
355


120
67
247
68
227
68
255
141
375


150
86
254
85
265
86
280
145
390


180
132
44
129
60
131
45
152
310


210
145
37
145
42
145
35
162
150


240
146
36
146
42
146
32
173
27


270
—
—
—
—
—
—
174
16


300
—
—
—
—
—
—
183
15


330
—
—
—
—
—
—
193
14





1Mixture O comprised 0.02 M (7 g/L) synthesized octadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


2Mixture P comprised 0.02 M (7 g/L) synthesized octadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil, 5 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil and 0.24 grams of magnesium oxide breaker per liter of diesel oil.


3Mixture Q comprised 0.02 M (7 g/L) synthesized octadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil and 6 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil.


4Mixture R comprised 0.04 M (14 g/L) synthesized octadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil, 12 milliliters of “ETHOX TM EA-3” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil and 0.48 grams of magnesium oxide breaker per liter of diesel oil.






As can be seen from Table IV, synthesized octadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester and the ferric iron activator utilized form gels in diesel oil over a broad temperature range. Further, the magnesium oxide breaker neutralized the acid ester which increased the viscosity attained over a broad range of temperatures.
Example 8
The test procedure of Example 4 was repeated except that a Tempco Rheo-15 rheometer was utilized to measure apparent viscosities at various temperatures with fluids containing 40% CO2 by volume. One of the test mixtures was formed with a #2 Off Road Diesel hydrocarbon fluid, and another test mixture included magnesium oxide. The results of these tests are set forth in Table V below.







TABLE V







Viscosities of Gelled Diesel Using


Commercially Available Gelling Agent Components


and 40% Carbon Dioxide by Volume at Various Temperatures











Mixture S1
Mixture T2
Mixture U3













Time,

Viscosity, cp.

Viscosity, cp.

Viscosity, cp.


minutes
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
















0
10
120 
7
120
7
100


10
66
155 
52
195
60
295


20
85
115 
66
205
63
330


30
85
95
68
195
66
340


40
85
85
71
190
68
345


50
85
85
74
175
71
350


60
85
85
77
165
72
350


70
—
—
82
145
74
340


80
—
—
85
130
77
335


90
—
—
88
110
79
320


100
—
—
91
90
85
315


110
—
—
93
80
88
300


120
—
—
96
65
90
285


130
—
—
99
45
91
265


140
—
—
102
35
93
240


150
—
—
104
20
96
210





1Mixture S comprised 5 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-966” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of #2 Off Road Diesel Fuel containing 40% by volume carbon dioxide and 5 milliliters of Ethox “EA-3 TM” ferric iron activator composition per liter of #2 Off Road Diesel Fuel containing 40% by volume carbon dioxide.


2Mixture T comprised 7 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-966” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of diesel oil containing 40% by volume carbon dioxide and 7 milliliters of Ethox “EA-3 TM” ferric iron activator composition per liter of diesel oil containing 40% by volume carbon dioxide.


3Mixture U comprised 7 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-966” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of #2 Off Road Diesel Fuel containing 40% by volume carbon dioxide, 7 milliliters of Ethox “EA-3 TM” ferric iron activator composition per liter of #2 Off Road Diesel Fuel containing 40% by volume carbon dioxide and 0.240 grams of magnesium oxide breaker per liter of diesel oil containing 40% by volume carbon dioxide.






From Table V, it can be seen that gels were formed even though the gels contained 40% by volume carbon dioxide. Also, a significant increase in viscosity was realized when the gel included only enough magnesium oxide breaker to partially neutralize the octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester.
Example 9
The procedure described in Example 4 was repeated except that magnesium oxide breaker was included in the three mixtures that were tested. In addition, one of the gels was produced utilizing a hydrocarbon liquid commercially available from Trysol Corp. of Sundre, Alberta, Canada under the trade name “FRACSOLTM” to which was added 40% by total volume carbon dioxide. The results of the tests are given in VII below.







TABLE VI







Break Times of Various Gels with Magnesium Oxide











Mixture V1
Mixture W2
Mixture X3













Time,

Viscosity, cp.

Viscosity, cp.

Viscosity, cp.


minutes
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
Temp., ° C.
@ 170/sec
















5
31
366
33
375
39
370


10
46
365
48
307
68
365


15
54
365
55
240
85
360


20
59
364
58
173
85
200


25
62
363
61
105
85
70


30
64
360
62
83
85
30


35
65
357
64
76
85
15


40
66
353
65
67
85
13


45
67
335
65
62
85
10


50
67
318
66
56
85
9


55
67
302
66
51
85
5


60
68
293
66
47
85
2


90
68
185
66
34


120
68
97
67
25


150
68
74
67
17


180
68
67
67
11


210
68
60


240
68
54


270
68
47


300
68
35


330
68
25


360
68
18


390
68
14


420
68
12





1Mixture V comprised 5 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-966” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of off-road diesel oil, 5 milliliters of Ethox “EA-3 TM” ferric iron activator composition per liter of off-road diesel oil and 2.4 grams of magnesium oxide breaker per liter of off-road diesel oil. The off-road diesel oil contained water.


2Mixture W comprised 5 milliliters of synthesized octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of off-road diesel oil, 5 milliliters of Ethox “EA-3 TM” ferric iron activator composition per liter of off-road diesel oil and 1.2 grams of magnesium oxide breaker per liter of off-road diesel oil. The off-road diesel oil contained water.


3Mixture X comprised 7 milliliters of commercially available Albright & Wilson “ITC TM-966” octylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of “FRACSOL TM” hydrocarbon liquid mixed with 40% by volume carbon dioxide, 7 milliliters of Ethox “EA-3 TM” ferric iron activator composition per liter of “FRACSOL TM” hydrocarbon liquid mixed with 40% by volume carbon dioxide and 1.1 grams of magnesium oxide breaker per liter of “FRACSOL TM” hydrocarbon liquid mixed with 40% by volume carbon dioxide. Mixture X also contained water.






From Table VII, it can be seen that progressive breaks were obtained by the presence of the magnesium oxide. The synthesized organophosphonic acid ester required significantly less breaker and still showed a faster break rate than the commercial organophosphonic acid ester. The gel containing 60% by volume “FRACSOLTM” hydrocarbon liquid and 40% by volume carbon dioxide also achieved a progressive and complete break as a result of the presence of the magnesium oxide.
Example 10
Gelled hydrocarbon liquid test samples were prepared by combining 0.02M (6.4 g/L) of hexadecylphosphonic acid monomethyl ester and 5 milliliters per liter of Ethox “EA-3TM” ferric iron activator composition. Various reducing agents for reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron and thereby breaking the gels were added to the test samples. Thereafter, the viscosities of the test samples over time were measured to determine the effectiveness of the reducing agents in breaking the gels. The results of these tests are given in Table VIII below.







TABLE VII







Break Times of Diesel Oil Gel1


Containing Various Reducing Agents @ 90° C.








Reducing
Viscosity, cp. @ 170/sec At Time












Agent Used
0
2 hrs.
21 hrs.
45 hrs.
242 hrs.















Blank - No
60
66
66
66
66


Reducing Agent


Stannous
7
3
—
—
—


Chloride dihydrate
45
3
—
—
—


Thioglycolic Acid


Sodium
141
18
 3
—
—


Diethyldithiocarbamate


Sodium
123
42
30
 3
—


Dimethyldithiocarbamate
45
96
57
33
 3


Hydrazine Sulfate


Hydroxylamine
75
69
15
 3
—


Hydrochloride





10.02 M (0.64 wt %) hexadecyl phosphonic acid monomethyl ester per liter of off-road diesel oil, 5 milliliters of Ethox “EA-3 TM” ferric iron activator composition per liter of off-road diesel oil and 0.01 M reducing agent per liter of off-road diesel oil. [0.1 Molar for stannous chloride dihydrate = 22.56 g/L; 0.1 M for thioglycolic acid (mercaptoacetic acid) = 9.21 g/L; 0.1 M for sodium diethyldithiocarbamate = 22.53 g/L; 0.1 M for sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate = 14.32 g/L; 0.1 m hydroxylamine hydrochloride = 6.95 g/L] The off-road diesel oil gels contained water.






From Table VIII, it can be seen that reducing agents comprised of stannous chloride, thioglycolic acid, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate and hydrazine sulfate can be utilized as efficient reducing agent breakers for the hydrocarbon gels of this invention, at 90° C.
Additional reducing agents could be the preferred reducing agents at higher temperatures where a slower rate of reaction is required. The additional reducing agents include, but are not limited to, sodium hypophosphite, potassium iodide, 2-mercaptoethanol (thioglycol), ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, sodium dithionite, sodium sulfite and salts thereof.
Example 11
To demonstrate an improved synthesis procedure using octadecylphosphonic acid, monomethyl ester as a specific example, a 500 ml round bottom flask was charged with 0.3 moles of octadecylphosphonic acid, dimethyl ester, 225 ml of methanol, and 15 g of sodium hydroxide. The flask was fitted with a reflux condenser and stirred magnetically while heating to reflux for 30 hours. The mixture was transferred to a 1 liter beaker and allowed to cool. While stirring, 31 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added, followed immediately by 500 ml of water. The mixture was heated to fuse the solid and then cooled to ambient temperature. The solid product was removed from the beaker, dissolved in 250 ml of hexanes, and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed using a rotary evaporator to give the crude product in a 97% yield (94% monoester by 31p NMR). If desired, the crude product could be further purified by recrystallization from hexanes.
For esters other than methyl, a similar procedure may be used with the methanol replaced with the alcohol consistent with the ester (e.g., n-butanol with the dibutyl ester, isopropanol with the diisopropyl ester, etc.). Due to the high boiling points of these alcohols as compared to methanol, the reaction times may be reduced. By using the appropriate alcohol, product purity may be improved possibly by avoiding transesterification with the methanol solvent.
Example 12
This example demonstrates the effect of a base on gelation performance. In this example, tris(methylhexadecylphosphonate) iron(III) was synthesized from hexadecylphosphonic acid, dimethyl ester with a procedure similar to that described in: J. J. Kokalas, D. N. Kramer, F. Block, R. Levin, “The Infrared Spectra of Tris(methylmethylphosphonate) iron(III), tris(ethylethylphosphonate) iron(III), and tris(isopropylmethylphosphonate) iron(III),” Spectroscopy Letters, 1969, 2, 273-281. Without isolating the tris(methylhexadecylphosphonate) iron(III) from the reaction mixture, the crude product was added to Norpar 12 (alkane mixture, predominately C12) to give a 15 mM concentration of the iron complex. Rheology was determined using a constant frequency (1 Hz) oscillatory stress sweep on a Haake Rheostress RS150 rheometer fitted with a 60 mm diameter, 2° cone and plate. The rheology was then measured after adding 0.4% v/v water to the solution. The rheology was again measured after adding 0.4% v/v of 25% w/w sodium hydroxide. According to the measurements taken, the storage modulus, G′, is low (which indicates a weak gel) until the sodium hydroxide is added. The large increase in G′ is consistent with a strong gel.







TABLE VIII







Effect of Water and Base on G′









G′(Pa)















0.4% Water + 0.4%



Stress (Pa)
No Water
0.4% Water
25% NaOH







 1.0
6.7
7.3
87



10.7
6.5
7.5
87










Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the benefits and advantages mentioned as well as those which are inherent therein. While numerous changes to the methods and compositions can be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising:
providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester, and
treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid further comprises one element selected from the group consisting of water, bases, and combinations thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid hydrocarbon comprises at least one liquid hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin, an internal olefin, an alkane, an aromatic solvent, a cycloalkane, a liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, a diesel oil, a gas oil, a fuel oil, a petroleum distillate, a crude oil mixture, and any mixture thereof.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid hydrocarbon is designed for use with CO2.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed by a metathesis reaction comprising an alkali metal or an ammonium salt of the phosphonic acid ester.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed by a metathesis reaction comprising a phosphonic acid dialkyl ester.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed from the reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and a phosphonic acid ester, the phosphonic acid ester having the formula:




wherein R or R′ comprises a hydrocarbon group having about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms that comprises a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof; and R or R′ comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the polyvalent metal ions comprise at least one ion selected from the group consisting of an aluminum ion, a gallium ion, a lanthanum ion, a ruthenium ion, an iron ion, a lanthanide rare earth series ion, and any combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the polyvalent metal ions comprise ions having a +3 oxidation state.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the activator composition comprises at least one activator composition selected from the group consisting of a ferric iron salt, aluminum chloride, sodium aluminate, aluminum isonropoxide, and any combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed by a metathesis reaction comprising an organophosphinic acid alkyl ester.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed from a reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and an organophosphinic acid, the organophosphinic acid having the formula:




wherein R1 or R2 comprises a hydrocarbon group having about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms that comprises a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof; and R1 or R2 comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the source of polyvalent metal ions comprises at least one source of polyvalent metal ions selected from the group consisting of an aluminum ion, a gallium ion, a lanthanum ion, a ruthenium ion, an iron ion, a lanthanide rare earth series ion, and any combination thereof.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the polyvalent metal ions comprise ions having a +3 oxidation state.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprises a surfactant.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the surfactant comprises at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of imidazoline, a fatty acid soap, a fatty acid, dioctyl sulphosuccinate, sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate, a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid alkanolamides, an amido betaine, and any combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the surfactant is present in the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% based on the gelling agent.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprises an enhancer.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the enhancer provides at least some alkalinity to the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the enhancer has the general formula CnHmOxNy, wherein n is from about 1 to about 50, m is from about 0 to about the number necessary to satisfy the valence of the enhancer, x is from about 1 to about 10, and y is from about 0 to about 10.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the enhancer comprises at least one enhancer selected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated amine, triethanolamine, N,N-dibutyl ethanol amine, an oxyalkylated di-C2-C8-alkyl amine, N,N-di-loweralkyl fatty amine, an oxyalkylated fatty amine, monoammonium citrate, bis(hydroxyethyl) tallowamine, ethoxylated dehydroabietylamine, and any mixture thereof.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein treating the subterranean formation involves fracturing a portion of the subterranean formation.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprises proppant.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein treating the subterranean formation involves providing sand control to at least a portion of the subterranean formation.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprises gravel.

26. The method of claim 23 or 25 wherein the proppant or gravel comprises at least one proppant or gravel selected from the group consisting of a nut shell, a resin-coated nut shell, graded sand, resin-coated sand, sintered bauxite, a particulate ceramic material, a glass bead, a particulate polymeric material, and any combination thereof.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprises water, the water being present in an amount of at least about 0.05% by the total treatment fluid volume.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid further comprises a breaker, the breaker being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid at a desired time.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the breaker comprises a delayed gel breaker.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the delayed gel breaker comprises an encapsulated delayed gel breaker.

31. The method of claim 29 wherein the delayed gel breaker is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 3% w/v.

32. The method of claim 28 wherein the breaker comprises at least one breaker selected from the group consisting of hard burned magnesium oxide, an alkali metal carbonate, an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal acetate, an alkaline earth metal oxide, an alkali metal hydroxide, an amine, a weak acid, and any combination thereof.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein the breaker comprises a reducing agent that is capable of reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the reducing agent comprises at least one reducing agent selected from the group consisting of stannous chloride, thioglycolic acid, hydrazine sulfate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, sodium hypophosphite, potassium iodide, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, 2-mercaptoethanol, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, sodium dithionite, sodium sulfite, and any combination thereof.

35. The method of claim 28 wherein the breaker is present in an amount of 0.01% to about 3% of the volume of the treatment fluid.

36. The method of claim 1 wherein the treating the subterranean formation involves using the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid to provide a plugging agent to a portion of the subterranean formation or a portion of a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation.

37. The method of claim 1 wherein treating the subterranean formation involves using the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid as a well bore cleanup fluid.

38. The method of claim 1 wherein treating the subterranean formation involves using the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid to perform a viscous sweep of a portion of the subterranean formation or a portion of a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation.

39. The method of claim 1 wherein treating the subterranean formation involves insulating a portion of the subterranean formation, a portion of a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation, or a tubing placed in a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation.

40. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of preparing the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid at the location of the subterranean formation.

41. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of preparing the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid at a location away from the subterranean formation and transporting the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid to the subterranean formation.

42. A method of fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation comprising:
providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester, and
contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid under conditions effective to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid further comprises one element selected from the group consisting of water, bases, and combinations thereof.

44. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprises at least one liquid hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin, an internal olefin, an alkane, an aromatic solvent, a cycloalkane, a liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, a diesel oil, a gas oil, a fuel oil, a petroleum distillate, a crude oil mixture, and any mixture thereof.

45. The method of claim 42 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% w/v.

46. The method of claim 42 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.2% to about 5% w/v.

47. The method of claim 42 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed by a metathesis reaction comprising an alkali metal or an ammonium salt of the phosphonic acid ester.

48. The method of claim 42 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed by a metathesis reaction comprising a phosphonic acid dialkyl ester.

49. The method of claim 42 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed from the reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and a phosphonic acid ester, the phosphonic acid ester having the formula:




wherein R or R′ comprises a hydrocarbon group having about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms that comprises a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof and R or R′ comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the polyvalent metal ions comprise ions having a +3 oxidation state.

51. The method of claim 42 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed from the reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and a phosphonic acid ester, the phosphonic acid ester having the formula:




where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21.

52. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed by a metathesis reaction comprising an organophosphinic acid alkyl ester.

53. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed from a reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and an organophosphinic acid, the organophosphinic acid having the formula:




wherein R1 or R2 comprises a hydrocarbon group having about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms that comprises a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof and R1 or R2 comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

54. The method of claim 53 wherein the source of polyvalent metal ions comprise ions having a +3 oxidation state.

55. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed from a reaction of an activator composition comprising a source of polyvalent metal ions and an organophosphinic acid, the organophosphinic acid having the formula:




where R represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21.

56. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprises an enhancer.

57. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprises a surfactant.

58. The method of claim 56 wherein the enhancer has the general formula CnHmOxNy, wherein n is about 1 to about 50, m is about 0 to about the number necessary to satisfy the valence of the enhancer, x is about 1 to about 10, and y is about 0 to about 10.

59. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprises proppant.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein the proppant is present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 32 pounds of proppant per gallon of treatment fluid.

61. The method of claim 59 wherein the proppant comprises at least one proppant selected from the group consisting of a nut shell, a resin-coated nut shell, graded sand, resin-coated sand, sintered bauxite, a particulate ceramic material, a glass bead, a particulate polymeric material, and any combination thereof.

62. The method of claim 42 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon fracturing fluid further comprises a breaker, the breaker being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid at a desired time.

63. The method of claim 62 wherein the breaker is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 3% w/v.

64. A method of providing sand control to a portion of a subterranean formation comprising:
providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid that comprises gravel particulates and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester; and
contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid so as to form a gravel pack near the portion of the subterranean formation.

65. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid further comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of water, a base, and any combination thereof.

66. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid comprises at least one liquid hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin, an internal olefin, an alkane, an aromatic solvent, a cycloalkane, a liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, a diesel oil, a gas oil, a fuel oil, a petroleum distillate, a crude oil mixture, and any mixture thereof.

67. The method of claim 64 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% w/v.

68. The method of claim 64 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 5% w/v.

69. The method of claim 64 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed by a metathesis reaction comprising an alkali metal or an ammonium salt of the phosphonic acid ester.

70. The method of claim 64 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed by a metathesis reaction comprising a phosphonic acid dialkyl ester.

71. The method of claim 64 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed from the reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and a phosphonic acid ester, the phosphonic acid ester having the formula:




wherein R or R′ comprises a hydrocarbon group having about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms that comprises a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof and R or R′ comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

72. The method of claim 71 wherein the polyvalent metal ions comprise ions having a +3 oxidation state.

73. The method of claim 64 wherein the polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester is formed from the reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and a phosphonic acid ester, the phosphonic acid ester having the formula:




where R represents a hydrocarbon group having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21.

74. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed by a metathesis reaction comprising an organophosphinic acid alkyl ester.

75. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed from a reaction of an activator composition that comprises a source of polyvalent metal ions and an organophosphinic acid, the organophosphinic acid having the formula:




wherein R1 or R2 comprises a hydrocarbon group having about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms that comprises a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkyl aryl ether, or a mixture thereof; and R1 or R2 comprises a hydrocarbon group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

76. The method of claim 75 wherein the source of polyvalent metal ions comprise ions having a +3 oxidation state.

77. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelling agent further comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid formed from a reaction of an activator composition comprising a source of polyvalent metal ions and an organophosphinic acid, the organophosphinic acid having the formula:




where R represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having the general formula CnH2n+1, where n is from about 3 to about 21.

78. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid comprises an enhancer.

79. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid comprises a surfactant.

80. The method of claim 78 wherein the enhancer has the general formula CnHmOxNy, wherein n is about 1 to about 50, m is about 0 to about the number necessary to satisfy the valence, x is about 1 to about 10, and y is about 0 to about 10.

81. The method of claim 64 wherein the gravel is present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 32 pounds of gravel per gallon of treatment fluid.

82. The method of claim 64 wherein the gelled liquid hydrocarbon gravel pack fluid further comprises a breaker, the breaker being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid at a desired time.

83. The method of claim 82 wherein the breaker is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 3% w/v.